Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Odaiyinna Nalloda

From Rajathi Rojakili · 1985

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Rajathi Rojakili1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolaiA stream means a good stream, with a flower garden hidden inside,
Thanga kozhunthanukku saanthu pottu vaikka venumMust apply a sandal paste dot for the golden brother-in-law.
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Male
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolaiA stream means a good stream, with a flower garden hidden inside,
Thanga pasunkilikku saanthu pottu vaikka venumMust apply a sandal paste dot for the golden green parrot.
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Male
Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilaeIn the forest of hair smelling of cardamom,
Vaasa malli vachi vidavaa…aa…aaa….Shall I adorn it with fragrant jasmine flowers?
Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilaeIn the forest of hair smelling of cardamom,
Vaasa malli vachi vidavaa…aa…aaa….Shall I adorn it with fragrant jasmine flowers?
Male
Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkaveyFor feet so delicate that walking even on soft cotton hurts,
Poovaalae paalam kattavaa….aa….aaa…..Shall I build a bridge out of flowers?
Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkaveyFor feet so delicate that walking even on soft cotton hurts,
Poovaalae paalam kattavaa….aa….aaa…..Shall I build a bridge out of flowers?
Female
Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyumA maiden's heart and the age of youth and love,
Saeththu vachchi yaaru thaichchathu…oo….Who brought them together and stitched them?
Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyumA maiden's heart and the age of youth and love,
Saeththu vachchi yaaru thaichchathu…Who brought them together and stitched them?
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Female
Chinna kazhuththaiyum muththu saraththaiyumThis slender neck and a string of pearls,
Needhaanae saeththu vachchathuWasn't it you who brought them together?
Chinna kazhuththaiyum muththu saraththaiyumThis slender neck and a string of pearls,
Needhaanae saeththu vachchathuWasn't it you who brought them together?
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Male
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolaiA stream means a good stream, with a flower garden hidden inside,
Female :Thanga pasunkilikku saanthu pottu vaikka venumFemale: Must apply a sandal paste dot for the golden green parrot.
Both :Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Both: Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Odaiyinnaa Nalloda' is a sweet, traditional folk-style duet from Rajathi Rojakili (1985) expressing tender romantic affection between lovers. Set against a lush rural backdrop, the song relies on nature imagery and pastoral folk motifs—comparing streams, flower gardens, and delicate feet to convey intimacy, beauty, and grace. The lovers exchange playful compliments and sweet banter. The hero offers to decorate her fragrant hair with jasmine and pave her path with blossoms, while the heroine fondly asks who united love with a young heart, attributing her happiness to him. The rhythmic 'Thannannaa' folk refrains enhance the traditional, earthy charm of the composition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilae

The lyricist metaphorically describes the heroine's long, fragrant hair as a 'forest' (vanam).

Athi-uyarvu Navitci Ani (Hyperbole)

Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkavey

An exaggerated poetic visual stating that even soft cotton causes pain to her extremely delicate feet.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyum

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kanni' and 'Kadhal'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Chandrabose, 'Rajathi Rojakili' (1985) featured several rustic folk tracks that gained popularity across rural Tamil Nadu. Lyricist Muthulingam, a recipient of the Tamil Nadu State Government's Kalaimamani award, wrote these lyrics infusing authentic village folk rhythm ('Thannannaa') with delicate romantic metaphors. The duet brought together K. J. Yesudas and S. Janaki, whose refined vocal renditions gave a classic touch to Chandrabose's folk melody.

Keep listening

More from Rajathi Rojakili